The Vice-Chairperson of Parliament’s Select Committee on Local Government and Rural Development, Charles Akwasi Agbeve, has cautioned Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Solomon Kusi Brako over his social media conduct following a dispute with the Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah.
The disagreement centres on a GH₵330,000 donation by Mr Acquah to Oda Senior High School (ODASCO) to support the introduction of modern steam-cooking technology, with Mr Brako questioning whether the MP had disclosed the source of the funds.
The matter came up during a sitting of the parliamentary committee, where Mr Agbeve and other members urged the MCE to exercise restraint in his public statements and avoid actions that could strain relations between MPs and local government officials.
Mr Agbeve, who is also the MP for Agotime-Ziope, stressed that MMDCEs should be mindful of how they communicate about development initiatives undertaken by MPs, particularly when both sides are expected to work together to address the needs of their constituents.
Hon. Charles Akwasi Agbeve, Vice-Chairperson, Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government and Rural Development
During the proceedings, Mr Agbeve argued that constituency development interventions, including donations to communities and institutions, are important aspects of MPs’ work and should not be unnecessarily undermined through public commentary.
He explained that MPs often use available resources to support projects in their constituencies and that publicising such interventions could help constituents understand their representatives’ contributions.
Using an example of an MP presenting a cheque received from a District Chief Executive (DCE) to a beneficiary community, the vice-chairperson said such initiatives could generate public support and enthusiasm.
He cautioned against using media platforms to downplay these efforts, emphasising the need for cooperation between MPs and MMDCEs.
“This is unhealthy. These are the only little things we do as MPs,” Mr Agbeve said, urging the MCE to reconsider his approach to discussing and maligning the MP’s development initiatives publicly.
He clarified that his comments are intended as advice rather than an invitation to engage in a confrontation.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, who was present during the committee’s proceedings, intervened to reinforce the vice-chairperson’s message.
Mr Amoakohene acknowledged that disagreements over development projects and their funding could sometimes become politically sensitive, particularly when public officials seeks to explain their respective contributions.
Hon. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister
However, he urged Mr Brako to consider the advice in good faith and avoid allowing the disagreement to undermine working relationships.
“It’s an advice. It’s an advice. You understand the politics of it,” he said.
The minister encouraged the MCE to take a second look at his approach, stressing the importance of maintaining cordial relations among public officials.
The MP for Suame, John Darko, also criticised Mr Brako, arguing that the controversy should be understood in the context of the MCE’s own social media comments about the donation.
Mr Darko said the MCE had indicated that he intended to publish a letter from Mr Acquah requesting the funds for the ODASCO project.
According to the Suame MP, Mr Brako had suggested that the Akyem Oda MP failed to inform the public that the donation came from his share of the Members of Parliament’s Common Fund.
Mr Darko, however, maintained that the cheque already identified the source of the money, making the public exchange unnecessary.
Hon.John Darko, MP, Suame and member of the committee
“The cheque you issued yourself bore the name of the District Assembly Common Fund, the MP’s share,” he said.
He questioned the need to threaten to publish the MP’s correspondence when, in his view, the source of the funds was already indicated on the cheque.
Mr Darko further accused the MCE of persistently making social media publications that creates tension with the MP and members of the committee.
He said the committee is not seeking to antagonise Mr Brako but urged him to respect the institution and improve his working relationship with MPs and other public officials.
“We are not here to fight you, so if you really want to work as MCE and do this well, please stop this attitude,” Mr Darko said.
He added that MPs and MMDCEs needed to cooperate in delivering development projects rather than allow disagreements to escalate into public exchanges.
Following Mr Darko’s remarks, Mr Brako sought permission to respond, arguing that it was unfair to accuse him of insulting the committee.
He indicated that he wanted to address what he considered strong allegations against him.
However, Mr Agbeve declined to grant him the floor at that point, reminding him that he was appearing before a parliamentary committee.
“You are before a committee with the powers of a High Court. You don’t barge in this way,” the vice-chairperson said.
Mr Agbeve maintained that Mr Darko’s comments were an admonishment and advised the MCE to accept them in good faith.
The exchange highlighted the committee members’ concerns about the growing tension surrounding the dispute and the need for public officials to exercise restraint in their interactions.
For his part, Mr Acquah said the disagreement arose from the controversy surrounding the donation and issues relating to the issuance of a receipt to illegal miners in Akyem Oda.
He acknowledged that the MCE had said he was not fighting him but argued that the response to the allegations should focus on the substantive issues rather than become a personal dispute.
“The MCE has said that he’s not fighting me. I think that all these things came about as a result of this receipt issue that we are talking about,” Mr Acquah said.
“Naturally, he will fight back. He’s been fighting back. I would wish that he fights the issues rather than fighting me.”
The Akyem Oda MP explained that the GH₵330,000 donation was intended to support the 1991 year group of ODASCO in its efforts to introduce modern steam-cooking technology at the school.
He maintained that the money came from his share of the Common Fund and said the donation was intended to support a worthy initiative.
Mr Acquah also explained that MPs receives allocations for constituency development and that committing the entire amount available for a quarter to one project could limit their ability to finance other initiatives during the same period.
Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah. Deputy Ranking Member, Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government and Rural Development, MP for Akyem Oda
He noted that MPs sometimes supplements public allocations with personal funds to support development projects in their constituencies.
According to him, explaining the source of funding for a project should not become a basis for personal confrontation, particularly when the objective is to ensure that constituents understand how public resources are being used.
He urged the focus to remain on the issues surrounding the donation and the concerns raised about the receipt rather than on personal exchanges.
The disagreement follow a social media post by Mr Acquah announcing his donation of GH₵330,000 to ODASCO.
In the post, the MP said the money would support the 1991 year group’s vision to introduce modern steam-cooking technology at the school.
He explained that the project is expected to reduce air pollution and protect cooks’ health by minimising their exposure to harmful smoke.
The initiative, he added, would reduce reliance on firewood, help curb tree felling and promote a cleaner and healthier cooking environment for the school community.
Mr Brako subsequently responded on social media, arguing that the MP had failed to disclose that the money came from his share of the Common Fund allocated under the current government.
“He Failed To Add That The Money Came From His Share Of The MP’s Common Fund Allocated By This Government,” the MCE wrote.
The post prompted the disagreement that was later discussed during the committee’s sitting.
While Mr Brako’s comment focused on the source of the donation, Mr Acquah maintained that the funds had been identified as coming from his Common Fund allocation.
The dispute subsequently broadened into concerns about the conduct of public officials on social media and their working relationships.
The committee members’ intervention has brought renewed attention to the importance of responsible public communication, transparency in the use of public funds and cooperation between MPs and local government authorities in the delivery of constituency development projects.
By 1960news.com
